Service Personnel (Pensions)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent typical Service men from private to three-star generals retiring in March 1978 receive a lower pension than those of similar rank who retired in March in any of the last three years; and whether he drew the attention of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body to any such differences.

As I told the hon. Member on 22nd November 1977, the evidence submitted to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body by my Department is given on a confidential basis.—[Vol. 939, cc. 628–9.] I can, however, assure him that it was both extensive and comprehensive.